The David Baazov Museum of History of the Jews of Georgia and Georgian-Jewish Relations serves as a profound representation of the centuries-old Jewish heritage in Georgia. Nestled in the historic heart of Old Tbilisi at 3 Anton Katalikosi Street, this museum invites visitors to explore a rich array of archaeological, ethnographic, epigraphic, and historical exhibits, showcasing ancient manuscripts, photographs, artistic displays, video archives, and much more.
Named after David Baazov, a prominent Georgian-Jewish public and religious figure, the museum honors his legacy as one of the leading Zionists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1918, Baazov founded the first Georgian-Jewish Zionist publication, titled Ebraelis Khma (The Voice of the Jew), and played a pivotal role in organizing the All-Jewish Congress in Tbilisi, which brought together representatives from nearly every Georgian and Russian Jewish community, except for Kutaisi.
Established in 1933, the museum faced a tragic closure in 1951 due to the rise of anti-Semitic sentiments in the USSR. It wasn’t until 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, that the museum reopened its doors to the public. Originally housed in a dome-shaped synagogue built in 1914, the museum underwent a comprehensive renovation between 2013 and 2014. During its initial years, from 1933 to 1951, museum staff diligently studied the history of Georgian Jews and amassed a wealth of cultural and material artifacts. A key theme of the museum’s exhibitions is the demonstration of the harmonious relations between Georgians and Jews throughout history.
The museum’s exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, including:
Georgia is home to one of the oldest Jewish diasporas in the world. According to the Georgian Chronicles, Jews arrived in the region following the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon, in 586 BC, which led to the Babylonian exile. A subsequent wave of Jewish refugees reached Georgia in the 1st century AD, fleeing the siege of Jerusalem by Vespasian during the Jewish rebellion. Many of these newcomers settled in Mtskheta, joining existing Jewish communities.
For centuries, Jewish diasporas in Georgia have enjoyed relative peace, free from the anti-Semitism that plagued many Jews in Central and Eastern Europe, imperial Russia, and the Soviet Union.
The Jewish population in Georgia peaked at around 80,000 during the 1960s and 70s. However, this number sharply declined as Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union became possible, with many choosing to return to Israel or relocate to other countries. Today, a substantial portion of those who remained continue to live in Tbilisi, while smaller Jewish communities can be found in Kutaisi, Gori, Surami, Oni, Akhaltsikhe, and Batumi. Many of these locales still host active synagogues.
The language spoken by Georgian Jews, Judeo-Georgian, is a fascinating blend of Georgian and Hebrew, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of their heritage.
To honor the Jewish community that has thrived in Old Tbilisi for centuries, one of the city’s squares is named Jerusalem Square. Just a five-minute walk from this square leads you to the David Baazov Museum of History of the Jews of Georgia and Georgian-Jewish Relations.
For a meaningful glimpse into the enduring peaceful relations between Georgians and their Jewish counterparts, a visit to the David Baazov Museum is an absolute must. Explore the stories and artifacts that celebrate this unique cultural heritage and the shared history that binds these communities together.
Address: 1 ,Anton Katalikosi Str., Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 298-59-92
Working hours: Daily from 11:00 a.m. till 05:00 p.m.